Bellingham Mayor Kim Lund and Bellingham Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Greg Baker announced today (February 22, 2024) they are evaluating whether a new elementary school can be built within the City of Bellingham’s Civic Athletic Complex, making the current site of Carl Cozier Elementary School available to the City for other recreational uses.
The idea has the potential of leveraging resources in an effective, creative and visionary way, Mayor Lund said.
“While we are still in an exploration phase, we’re excited about the possibilities of this unique partnership,” she said. “Focusing on our shared investments in the Civic Athletic Complex has the potential to benefit families and public education, maximize recreational opportunities, advance climate resiliency, and provide other benefits that would serve the community now and into the future.”
Dr. Baker explained that the idea of rebuilding Carl Cozier Elementary School in the Civic Complex is a change in the district’s plans, requiring further evaluation and discussion, but offers a tremendous opportunity.
“The goals of the City of Bellingham and Bellingham Public Schools are so similar,” Dr. Baker said. “We all make a collective commitment to the well-being of our fellow community members. We’re excited to share this idea and seek feedback on the concept of relocating Carl Cozier in the Civic Complex, and we’re excited about all the possibilities this opportunity presents our community.”
Opportunity for future recreation
The current site of Carl Cozier is a centrally located, easy-to-access, visible and desirable property adjacent to key existing City recreation facilities, such as the Arne Hanna Aquatic Center, Civic Stadium and the Sportsplex. Partnering with the school district could be invaluable to expanding recreation facilities, improving pedestrian access and upgrading infrastructure that serves the Civic Athletic Complex.
“This exploration is an exciting step in reimagining, modernizing and dreaming big about the Civic Complex. Over the long term, it could create opportunities for indoor recreation, expanded aquatics, community gathering spaces, and other options that are needed and desired by our community and have been imagined in our recreation strategic plans,” Mayor Lund said.
Unique partnership outlined
The district originally planned to build a new school on undeveloped property in the King Mountain Neighborhood, and have that school serve as a temporary home or “swing space” for Roosevelt, Carl Cozier and Columbia as their respective schools were rebuilt, and eventually opening as a neighborhood school later.
Under the plan now being evaluated, the district would pause on building in the King Mountain location while working with the City to evaluate feasibility of building a new school instead in the Civic Complex. If the idea moves forward, the district would purchase Civic property from the City for a new school. When the district’s use of the current Carl Cozier is complete and the building removed, the City would purchase that property for use to expand recreational opportunities.
Dr. Baker and Mayor Lund signed an agreement this week acknowledging planning assumptions as they contemplate this unique partnership. The agreement and a message from Dr. Baker posted on the Bellingham Public Schools website describe in more detail the idea being considered.
Mayor Lund said City leaders are approaching this conversation with great enthusiasm and great responsibility.
“This is a prime location in the center of our City,” she said. “Dedicating additional space within the Civic Complex to a new school requires agreements and assurances that it will benefit all our needs and interests. This exploration is an exciting opportunity for the benefit of all of Bellingham and we look forward to continuing the conversation.”
